The Super Eagles of Nigeria has landed in Cape Verde ahead of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash, which comes up on Tuesday. Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to make a number of changes in his starting lineup for the clash. He will not be using the same lineup that beat Liberia 2-0.
Why Gernot Rohr will Change is Starting Lineup
The Changes made by the head coach is because of the Covid-19 rule on UK-based players; protocols and guidelines are to be taken for all players entering some red label countries, of which Cape Verde is one. Super Eagles head coach Rohr will have to replace some of his regulars against the Blue Sharks.
The likes of Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, and Leon Balogun might not be in the game, while Italy –based player Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem of FC Boavista in Portugal, and Spain based Kenneth Omeruo will start the game. Gernot Rohr is also short of options in midfield, with regular starters; Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Alex Iwobi all missing in the lineup.
Malmo of Sweden midfielder Innocent Bonnke is expected to anchor the midfield. The head coach may have to rely on versatile star player Abdullahi Shehu to play in the midfield as he has used him a couple of times. The Super Eagles defeated Liberia 2-0 in their matchday one encounter at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, last week Friday.
A win for Gernot Rohr’s men will place them six points in Group C and also 20 million naira from Peace Airlines. The three-time African champions will be straight to the knockout round.
Super Eagles Players in Cape Verde
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Defenders:
Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Paderborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Valentine Ozornwafor (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium); Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia FC, Italy);
Midfielders:
Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Innocent Bonke (Malmo FF, Sweden); Kingsley Michael (Bologna FC, Italy); Adekunele Adeleke (Abia Warriors);
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Kalu (FC Bordeaux, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos FC).
